5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Had Taught Me

It's never too late to learn how to make a cheese ball, to cook beef until it's meltingly tender or to bake a classic birthday cake.

By Lynn Andriani

PHOTO GALLERY

BEFORE YOU GO

5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Taught Me

PHOTO GALLERY

5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Taught Me

5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Had Taught Me

5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Taught Me

5 Recipes I Wish My Mom Taught Me

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The Cheese Ball

For many of us, while growing up, holiday gatherings weren't complete without a requisite sphere of cheese covered in herbs or nuts. It turns out there are a few key steps to making these wondrous creations, which Michelle Buffardi reveals in her book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Balls-Cheese-Michelle-Buffardi/dp/1118497201" target="_blank">Great Balls of Cheese</a></em>. First, mix everything together using a stand mixer, a hand-held mixer or a spatula and a bowl—not a food processor, since it would combine the ingredients so vigorously that it would take an excessively long time for the ball to set. Second, refrigerate the ball before serving, so the mix-ins mingle well and the ball holds its shape.
<strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Mexican-Black-Bean-Ball-Recipe" target="_blank">Mexican Black-Bean Ball</a></strong>